The conflict between the US and Iran escalated further on Thursday, with both sides claiming big attacks targeting each other. The US Central Command confirmed the completion of the strikes, which targeted Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran.
Explosions were reported across multiple parts of Iran, including in and around Tehran, as well as near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched counter-attacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump vowed more attacks if no peace deal is reached, saying that Tehran would have to “pay the price” for stalled negotiations. The US also pushed back on Iranian claims that said a US vessel was attacked in Hormuz, stating that no US warships have been struck.
The conflict has disrupted energy shipments and added pressure on global oil prices. The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said that the US would continue bombing Iran as no deal is being reached, with the goal of putting pressure on Iran and securing the kind of deal President Trump wants.
